14 research outputs found

    Froehlich polarons from 0D to 3D: concepts and recent developments

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    A review. The author present understanding of the Froehlich polaron with emphasis on the response properties, in particular optical absorption is described. [on SciFinder (R)

    Pharmacokinetic and urinary profiling reveals the prednisolone/cortisol ratio as a valid biomarker for prednisolone administration

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    Background: In Europe, synthetic corticosteroids are not allowed in animal breeding for growth-promoting purposes. Nevertheless, a high prevalence of non-compliant urine samples was recently reported for prednisolone, however, without any indication of unauthorized use. Within this context, 20 beta-dihydroprednisolone and the prednisolone/cortisol ratio have been suggested as potential tools to discriminate between exogenous and endogenous urinary prednisolone. In this study, the validity of these strategies was verified by investigating the plasma pharmacokinetic and urinary excretion profiles of relevant glucocorticoids in bovines, subjected to exogenous prednisolone treatment or tetracosactide hexaacetate administration to induce endogenous prednisolone formation. Bovine urine and plasma samples were analysed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results: Based on the plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary profiles, 20 beta-dihydroprednisolone was confirmed as the main prednisolone-derived metabolite, being detected in the biological fluids of all 12 bovines (plasma AUC(0-inf) of 121 h mu g L-1 and urinary concentration > 0.695 mu g L-1). However, this metabolite enclosed no potential as discriminative marker as no significant concentration differences were observed upon exogenous prednisolone treatment or tetracosactide hexaacetate administration under all experimental conditions. As a second marker tool, the prednisolone/cortisol ratios were assessed along the various treatments, taking into account that endogenous prednisolone formation involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is associated with an increased cortisol secretion. Significantly lower ratios were observed in case of endogenous prednisolone formation (i.e. ratios ranging from 0.00379 to 0.129) compared to the exogenous prednisolone treatment (i.e. ratios ranging from 0.0603 to 36.9). On the basis of these findings, a discriminative threshold of 0.260 was proposed, which allowed classification of urine samples according to prednisolone origin with a sensitivity of 94.2% and specificity of 99.0%. Conclusion: The prednisolone/cortisol ratio was affirmed as an expedient strategy to discriminate between endogenous and exogenous prednisolone in urine. Although the suggested threshold value was associated with high specificity and sensitivity, a large-scale study with varying experimental conditions is designated to optimize this value

    Electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide using Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome c peroxidase at a gold electrode

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    We describe the redox behaviour of horse heart cytochrome c (HHC) and Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome c peroxidase (RcCCP) at a gold electrode modified with 4,4?-bipyridyl. RcCCP shows no additional oxidation or reduction peaks compared to the electrochemistry of only HHC, which indicates that it most likely binds to HHC and results in a potential downshift of the voltammetric signals of the latter. Furthermore, the electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide at a RcCCP/HHC modified gold electrode is shown. The results demonstrate that HHC can substitute for cytochrome c 2, the physiological electron donor. The buffer 2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazinyl]?ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) and tris(hydroxymethyl) methylamine (Tris) electrochemically are not as inert as previously believed. They can react with oxygen (radicals) during electrochemical measurements, and the products formed can give rise to additional redox peaks. We therefore also have conducted a voltammetric study on theses buffers.Kavli Institute of NanoscienceApplied Science

    The genomes of two key bumblebee species with primitive eusocial organization

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    Background The shift from solitary to social behavior is one of the major evolutionary transitions. Primitively eusocial bumblebees are uniquely placed to illuminate the evolution of highly eusocial insect societies. Bumblebees are also invaluable natural and agricultural pollinators, and there is widespread concern over recent population declines in some species. High-quality genomic data will inform key aspects of bumblebee biology, including susceptibility to implicated population viability threats. Results We report the high quality draft genome sequences of Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens, two ecologically dominant bumblebees and widely utilized study species. Comparing these new genomes to those of the highly eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera and other Hymenoptera, we identify deeply conserved similarities, as well as novelties key to the biology of these organisms. Some honeybee genome features thought to underpin advanced eusociality are also present in bumblebees, indicating an earlier evolution in the bee lineage. Xenobiotic detoxification and immune genes are similarly depauperate in bumblebees and honeybees, and multiple categories of genes linked to social organization, including development and behavior, show high conservation. Key differences identified include a bias in bumblebee chemoreception towards gustation from olfaction, and striking differences in microRNAs, potentially responsible for gene regulation underlying social and other traits. Conclusions These two bumblebee genomes provide a foundation for post-genomic research on these key pollinators and insect societies. Overall, gene repertoires suggest that the route to advanced eusociality in bees was mediated by many small changes in many genes and processes, and not by notable expansion or depauperation. </p

    Deep bite: Treatment options and challenges

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    While deep overbite typically accompanies all classes of malocclusion, it is singled out in this article as the prominent component of malocclusion. We review the evidence-based treatment of deep overbite, mostly of lower tier on the evidence hierarchy. Accordingly, challenges to treatment emerge with the lack of firm guidelines for treatment. The main concerns relate to long-term stability and facial esthetics. Treatment options in children focus on possibilities of growth modification and avoidance of more severe development of the condition. Camouflage, surgical options, and compromised outcome are considered in the non-growing patient. We illustrate the various treatment strategies, including maxillary incisor esthetic differential extrusion, along with the side effects that may occur and ways to avoid them. The need for structured controlled trials and associated formulation of guidelines is demonstrated. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.Al-Buraiki H, 2005, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V127, P47, DOI 10.1016-j.ajodo.2003.10.034; Al-Farra E, 2001, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V120, P427, DOI 10.1067-mod.2001.117910; Baccetti T, 2012, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V142, P75, DOI 10.1016-j.ajodo.2012.02.024; BALL JV, 1991, EUR J ORTHODONT, V13, P53; Beane R A Jr, 1999, Semin Orthod, V5, P275, DOI 10.1016-S1073-8746(99)80021-8; BEGG PR, 1977, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V71, P1, DOI 10.1016-0002-9416(77)90175-0; Betzenberger D, 1999, ANGLE ORTHOD, V69, P27; BINDA SKR, 1994, EUR J ORTHODONT, V16, P301; Boom HPW, 2008, ARCH ORAL BIOL, V53, P273, DOI 10.1016-j.archoralbio.2007.08.013; Burstone CJ, 1995, MODERN EDGEWISE MECH, P33; Burzin J, 1993, RETENTION STABILITY, P61; Buschang PH, 2002, SEMIN ORTHOD, V8, P130, DOI 10.1053-sodo.2002.125432; CANGIALOSI TJ, 1984, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V85, P28, DOI 10.1016-0002-9416(84)90120-9; Chang YI, 1999, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V115, P29, DOI 10.1016-S0889-5406(99)70313-6; Cozza P, 2005, ANGLE ORTHOD, V75, P707; Dahl B L, 1975, J Oral Rehabil, V2, P209, DOI 10.1111-j.1365-2842.1975.tb00914.x; Devreese H, 2007, EUR J ORTHODONT, V29, P314, DOI 10.1093-ejo-cjm011; Franchi L, 2011, ANGLE ORTHOD, V81, P945, DOI 10.2319-033011-229.1; Ghafari J, 1998, BIOL MECH TOOTH ERUP, P8589; Ghafari J, 1995, BIOL MECH TOOTH ERUP, P545; Ghafari JG, 2011, EVIDENCE-BASED ORTHODONTICS, P247; Ghafari JG, 2012, CONT RESTORATION END, P115; Greig D G, 1983, Br J Orthod, V10, P214; HANS MG, 1994, ANGLE ORTHOD, V64, P265; Harrison JE, 2007, COCHRANE DB SYST REV, V18; Hartsfield Jr JK, 2011, ORTHODONTICS CURRENT, P139; Hering K, 1999, ANGLE ORTHOD, V69, P470; JANSON GRP, 1994, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V106, P409, DOI 10.1016-S0889-5406(94)70063-X; Kikuchi M, 2002, PSYCHIAT CLIN NEUROS, V56, P329, DOI 10.1046-j.1440-1819.2002.01002.x; KIM YH, 1987, ANGLE ORTHOD, V57, P290; MCFADDEN WM, 1989, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V96, P390, DOI 10.1016-0889-5406(89)90323-5; MELSEN B, 1989, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V96, P232, DOI 10.1016-0889-5406(89)90460-5; MELSEN B, 1988, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V94, P104, DOI 10.1016-0889-5406(88)90358-7; Millett DT, 2012, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V142, P159, DOI 10.1016-j.ajodo.2012.03.022; MOORREES CF, 1969, AMER J ORTHODONTICS, V55, P600, DOI 10.1016-0002-9416(69)90037-2; Nasry HA, 2006, BRIT DENT J, V200, P557, DOI 10.1038-sj.bdj.4813587; Ng J, 2005, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V128, P212, DOI 10.1016-j.ajodo.2004.04.025; Noroozi Hassan, 2002, Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg, V17, P47; Ohnishi H, 2005, ANGLE ORTHOD, V75, P444; OTTO RL, 1980, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V77, P437, DOI 10.1016-0002-9416(80)90108-6; PARKER CD, 1995, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V107, P382, DOI 10.1016-S0889-5406(95)70091-9; Polat-Ozsoy O, 2011, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V139, P526, DOI 10.1016-j.ajodo.2009.05.040; Proffit William R, 2007, Head Face Med, V3, P21, DOI 10.1186-1746-160X-3-21; Ricketts R M, 1972, Proc Found Orthod Res, P120; Sankey WL, 2000, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V118, P317, DOI 10.1067-mod.2000.106068; Shroff B, 1997, ANGLE ORTHOD, V67, P455; SIMONS ME, 1973, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V64, P349, DOI 10.1016-0002-9416(73)90243-1; Stellzig A, 1999, J Orofac Orthop, V60, P39, DOI 10.1007-BF01358714; Upadhyay M, 2008, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V134, P18, DOI 10.1016-j.ajodo.2007.03.025; van Steenbergen E, 2005, ANGLE ORTHOD, V75, P730; Weiland FJ, 1996, AM J ORTHOD DENTOFAC, V110, P647, DOI 10.1016-S0889-5406(96)80042-4; WORMS FW, 1971, AMER J ORTHODONTICS, V59, P589, DOI 10.1016-0002-9416(71)90005-41
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